Question

Should I go back to school now, or wait until my toddler's older?

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My son's 2. I'd like to begin my undergraduate degree, but wonder if I should wait until I've had another child and they're both old enough to go to school. Or should I get started on it now and delay having our next baby? The course will be demanding and runs for at least three years. It would be easier to manage with one child. But I don't know if a five- or six-year age gap between children is what we want, either. I'm 30, so it's not as simple as saying 'you can do it when you're older.' Please help.

Mom Answers

I started nursing school when my daughter was 4 months old. With a lot of support from family, friends and a breast pump, I was able to go to school full-time and still continue to breastfeed my baby. It is possible but not easy! Every time I think it's difficult, I remember that I am working to provide her a better future. Also, it will set a good example to your children that anything worth having is worth working hard for. As far as having another child, if you have one while you're in school, you'll have one more reason to get your degree. GOOD LUCK!

Give it a try. If you can't handle it you can always postpone it until later. But it will be nice to have it out of the way and start using the degree as soon a possible. After a bit of suffering it will give you more flexiblity in the end. I was finishing my graduate degree when I got pregnant. It has been really hard to concentrate at times, the house is a PIT, and my husband and I have a lot of working weekends - where one of us goes off to get our own stuff done, but I feel like I have to keep going for our future. I will grauate this June and feel so relieved and excited. Although truthfully, being a mommy is the greatest thing of all - and whatever would have happended in the end I will have that.

I was in grad. school when I found out we were finally pregnant. I finished that year but didn't go back the 2nd year because I thought it would be tough being a new mommy. But when he was 10 months I went back to grad. school. Don't let anyone tell you it isn't tough. It is very tough sometimes and time management is a MUST, but it is VERY doable!! Sometimes I wish I hadn't even stayed out that year because I would have graduated grad. school last year instead of next year. So, in my opinion I tell you to go to school now. Spacing will work itself out. This is a personal goal of yours and it should be fulfilled now because we never know what the future holds. See if your university offers some courses online, late evenings or any type of schedule that works for you. My program 1 year of online and 1 year traditional classroom weekly 3 hour classes. For having a toddler, the online at home is tough because he likes to be around me and he even likes to watch the profs videos! But going to the classrooms and having to work around my husband's work schedule is also tough so I just want to make sure no one lies to you and tell you there won't be some days you will want to quit but believe me the pride you feel when you walk in graduation and throw that cap up is unmatched! Go for it!! Have a STRONG support system! Oh and class schedules are totally yours to make so if you can get all M, W, F 9-12 classes, try that and look into PT preschool for your son. He'll love the play time. So you see, there are a lot of options and ways to make this work!

My child is 16 months old...I finished grad school while working part-time....you can do it if you have a STRONG support system in place...my husband and my in-law's are very supportive of my endeavors. Adding a newborn into the mix may increase your stress/exhuastion level...would enjoy going to school when you may feel like that? Only you can answer questions like that....I have had friends who have gone to school and have had their children throughout their academic career and others who are waiting to continue school once they have had their children and their children are in school for a portion of the day. Good luck....decisions aren't always easy!

I'm 33 and expecting my 4th child in April. My other children are 7, 5, and 21 months. I work full time and go to school part time (2-3 nights a week depending on the semester). If you set your mind to it, it can be done without sacrificing time with your family, but don't expect it to be easy - it's a lot of work. Good luck!

I am going to school full time. Actually more than full time. My daughters are 23 months and 8 months. I started college when my first daughter was 8 months old. I loved it, and when I found out I was pregnant with my second child I got a little worried about how I could manage two babies and school. My second daughter was born during our summer break, and she was 10 weeks old when school started back up. It worked out great for me. My daughters love going to daycare during the day, and I love learning and earning my degree. I still spend alot of time with them, mostly in the afternoons, but I feel enriched and it is all worth it.

C.M.,
I started going back to school when my daughter was 3 months old. It was fine at first because she slept a lot, but now that she is 16 months old and active, A LOT harder. I've actually stopped going to school for the time being. The only time I had for school work was when my daughter was sleeping and that wasn't/isn't as often. If you have a supportive partner (my husband was also taking night classes and not home often) it should be okay. Make sure you have a support system to help you. I say go for it! If you're determined, you'll make it happen. GOOD LUCK!!!!

I went back to school 2 1/2 years ago when my sons were 6 and 9 and in school all day. Halfway through my first semester I found out I was pregnant. Now my daughter is 18 months old and I am still going strong. I had a c-section in the middle of a semester but luckily I was able to finish the class because of a kind professor and an online course.
You can definitely do it, but you will need some help. I didn't want to send my baby to day care so I cut down on my classes and only go to school 2 days a week. This way I was able to have my husband help with the baby and also have the support of other family and friends.
It is definitely a challenge, but worth it. If I would have planned on having a baby before going back to school I probably would not have ever gone back. Once you get started you are determined to finish and will find a way to do it. I am graduating in December with honors and plan on sitting for the CPA exam next year.
Go for it! I wish you the best!

My daughter is 2 and I've just started my undergraduate degree with open university it means I can stay home with her and do my studies and I'm planning on having another child in the next year. Just do it!

C.M.,
Going to school and having babies, yes babies, is doable. If you want to start now, you shouldn't have to worry about spacing the children. Is it easy, no, you just learn how to prioritize and set up your support networks for help. You also learn really quick who wants you to do well and who wants to sabotage your efforts. People say and do mean things in our most vulnerable states, so make sure you get a circle of friends and family to support your decision and you should be all set. Good luck.

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